The New Zealand Warriors have launched their Hall of Fame, with four significant figures of their history being celebrated as their inaugural inductees.
Warriors CEO Cameron George unveiled the Hall of Fame at the clubs annual awards presentation, speaking on the importance and what it means for the club.
“After more than 30 years in existence, the time is right for us as a club to honour and celebrate people who have made an extraordinary and enduring contribution to the One New Zealand Warriors,” he said.
“This is about recognising individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, represented the club with honour and integrity and left an impact that will forever form part of the Warriors' legacy.
“At the heart of every induction is one question: Did this person leave the Warriors better than they found it?”
There are for distinct pillars that are considered when electing inductees into the Hall of Fame: significant contribution, honour and character, loyalty and commitment, above and beyond.
The first inductee into the Warriors Hall of Fame of was Sir Peter Leitch, commonly known as the 'Mad Butcher,' who was recognised for his continued support for the club since their inception in 1995.
Leitch is one of the most recognisable ambassadors for the club amongst rugby league fans, with the Warriors unofficially naming him their 19th man after retiring the clubs no.19 jersey in 2001 as a mark of acknowledgement to show their appreciation for all he has contributed over the years.
The second inductee was 'the little general,' Stacey Jones. Jones debuted for the Warriors in their inaugural campaign in 1995 where he went onto make 261 appearances for the club.
His performance on the field during his time at the Warriors, before a short stint at the Catalans Dragons saw him inducted in the NRL Hall of Fame, as inductee 109.
Jones stepped in as interim NRL head coach in 2022 for the Warriors, and still plays a vital role in New Zealand Rugby league as he is the head coach of the Kiwis.
The third inductee was Simon Mannering, the all time games record holder for the Warriors, accumulating 301 games across 14 seasons at the club, achieving the honour as a one-club man, a rare feature in modern rugby league.
The Warriors player of the year award has been renamed to the 'Simon Mannering Medal' following his retirement in 2018, a testament to the impact he had on the club both on and off the field.
The fourth inductee was Mark Robinson, sole owner of the Warriors. Robinson has considerably invested in the club, ensuring they have his backing, particularly in the youth system.
The Warriors attention now shifts to Sunday (local time), as they take on the Knights at Eden Park, looking to book their place in a preliminary final, as their quest for a maiden premiership continues.
